It’s been a number of days since I began Operation Déjà Vu - my attempt to re-capture the previously trapped and released kittens in the feral colony. So far, it has been a failure. As I feared, the three youngsters - Rebus, Rhombus and Philo - are now wary of the trap, and are avoiding it. I will continue my efforts, as it means the difference for them between life in the wild and a safe and healthy home.
In the meantime, progress on the parts of their brother and sister has been very good. Medallion had a head-start on her sibling, formerly named Phineas, now Phocas (due to a Finnegan being in the same household, and the names being too similar), but the little boycat has caught up. They have been out of their cage and on laps, where they have experienced the joys of being petted. Both have responded with hesitant purrs. They were reluctant to eat on their own, and were being hand-fed. Last night, however, they took the big step of eating a meal on their own. In the lower photograph, Medallion is a bit difficult to see because of her colouring, but she is in front and to the right of her brother.
Medallion and Phocas are in a foster-home which is very successful at socialising cats. The people there have brought around shy cats and kittens numerous times. When captured, the other three will go to another foster-home, whose person is equally patient and knowledgeable in the ways of cats.
Medallion and Phocas are in a foster-home which is very successful at socialising cats. The people there have brought around shy cats and kittens numerous times. When captured, the other three will go to another foster-home, whose person is equally patient and knowledgeable in the ways of cats.
This is a great update! You've made a tremendous, life-changing difference in all their lives, even the ones that you haven't been able to recapture. I hope you're satisfied with your efforts and your success. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy fingers are crossed that you are able to re-trap those three rascals soon!
ReplyDeleteOh we hope you get those other kitties soon! And yay for the progress of the first two!
ReplyDeleteI am so hoping that they are recaptured soon. Having them or any of the cats in the wild on their own is hard to think about.
ReplyDeleteI like what Kea said, I would have said the same most sincerely if I had not been so taken up worrying about the cats out there.
ReplyDeleteKia is quite correct - you have made a fantastic difference in the lives of the kittens in your feral colony. Phocas and Medallion are making great strides toward becoming wonderful pets, and I'm sure that once their three siblings are re-trapped, they too will be quickly socialized and find fur-ever homes! God bless you, John!!
ReplyDeleteOh yea, they remember that trap thing! A couple of years ago when the Dad was doing TNR here the neighbor's cat went in 4 different times just for the food, she knew someone would let her out.
ReplyDeleteIt’s not impossible that they’ll go into the trap again, if it contains a food they really enjoy. When I was trapping a litter of feral kittens who had taken up residence in my backyard, one of them who had been trapped and fixed subsequently went into the trap a second time. I guess he thought it was worth it to get another tuna meal!
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope they find their way into the trap again, so they can have a similar life as their fursiblings. Wonderful news for Medallion and Phocas!
ReplyDeleteAnd some good news over here in the UK..
ReplyDeleteThe Government are looking at laws to be passed
for cats, that already apply to dogs...
They state..
Microchipping should be compulsory for cats as well as dogs, animal charities have said, as dog owners rushed to get their pets chipped ahead of it becoming a legal requirement from April 6. ... "We can't stress enough how important it is that cats are Microchipped...
Also stated...Neutering..
We will provide you with vouchers which cover the full cost of neutering at any veterinary surgery. Absolutely any and every cat owner can benefit from our vouchers as they are not means-tested. ... Kittens can be neutered from the age of four months, and adult cats can be neutered at any age...
At least it's a step in the right direction...!
2 kitties on the way to being cared for furever. That is wonderful
ReplyDeletesuccess. Praying the other 3 finally come around to the traps so they to can have a safe home life. Good luck to all involved.
It is very good news to see how well Phocas and Medallion are getting on. I hope the other kittens soon brave it back into the traps. I agree with the others who have already said it, you are doing wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteguyz....we wizhez ewe all de veree veree best N hope ewe all iz in yur for everz bye pie day { we noe ewe had yurz but de one heerz like ina few } ♥♥♥
ReplyDeletepea ezz....eatin on yur own iz like ...DE BEST .....trooth ♥♥♥
We always enjoy hearing about feral cats who are socialized and have a chance at forever homes. It is not as hard as many believe and we wish more people would give it a go. Yes it takes patience and sometimes a cat can be difficult but even Miss Fitz sits on Dads lap... after 7 years...
ReplyDelete